The large wooden door swung open at once and revealed a tall, black-haired witch in emerald-green robes. She had a very stern face that I would know anywhere, Professor McGonagall. How I missed her.

"The firs' years, Professor McGonagall," said Hagrid proudly.

"Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here", she said sternly as if he were still her student before she waves her hand at the door.

The door opens wider, and we all take a glimpse of the magnificent entrance hall.

The stone walls were lit with flaming torches which revealed old banners and paintings, the ceiling was so high I couldn't tell where it ended, and a magnificent marble staircase facing them led to the upper floors.

I looked at Hermione to see she was also in awe of the beautiful academy entrance. We followed Professor McGonagall across the flagged stone floor. I made sure to stay near Hermione and Ron, not wanting to get lost.

 I could hear a loud raucous from the right of the hallway and assumed that was where the rest of the students had gone. I thought that was where Professor McGonagall was leading us, but instead, we continued on into a small chamber at the end of the hall.

We all crowded together so we would all fit inside. I tried not to step on anyone's toes once we were all in.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall says gaining our attention. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your Houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your House will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your House, sleep in your House dormitory, and spend free time in your House common room.

"The four Houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each House has its own noble history, and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your House points, while any rule-breaking will lose House points. At the end of the year, the House with the most points is awarded the House cup, a great honor. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever House becomes yours.

"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting." 

Her eyes lingered for a moment on Neville's cloak, which was fastened under his left ear, and on Ron's smudged nose.

I nervously turned to Hermione, "Do I look alright?"

She nods her head, "How about me?"

"You look good," I tell her before I hear Professor McGonagall call for us."I shall return when we are ready for you. Please wait quietly."

She left the chamber and shut the door behind her.

"Are you worried about the test?" I ask Hermione.

She nods her head rapidly, "Of course. I mean, I have studied all the spells in our textbooks and now about half of them by heart but, what if they ask us questions about things I haven't read. I also did some reading on the history of magic and wizardry as well. Oh and I researched some situational spells that we might need to use if it is an interactive quiz. But I am still worried there will be something on there that I don't know since my parents are muggles! How about you?"

I blink a few times to grasp everything she said, "I don't know. But I surely haven't studied for anything."

Hermione looks at me with wide eyes, "Do you want me to help teach you some?"

I shake my head, knowing that whatever it is, it couldn't be based on knowledge of magic because some of the students are muggle-born. 

Hermione said something but  I couldn't hear her over the screams. I look at the students who were screaming to see a few ghosts casually floating in.

There were about twenty entering the room. I immediately knew by their pearly white, transparent appearance that they were ghastly. They were gliding in the chamber, not even aware that we were standing under them.

I tried to overhear their heated conversation, I notice a rather round ghost shrugging, "Forgive and forget, I say, we ought to give him a second chance —"

"My dear Friar, haven't we given Peeves all the chances he deserves? He gives us all a bad name, and you know, he's not really even a ghost — I say, what are you all doing here?"

A ghost wearing tights asks us, finally realizing they weren't alone.

Nobody answered. I would have responded had I known what to say, but I did not know myself what I was doing in this area. I just know I was told to be here.

"New students!" said who I assume to be the Fat Friar, pushing her cheeks up into a smile, "About to be Sorted, I suppose?"

I decide to speak up since my classmates aren't, "Yes, we are."

"Hope to see you in Hufflepuff!" said the Friar. "My old House, you know."

"Re-," I was about to ask her more about her House when a sharp voice cut me off, Professor McGonagall had returned.

"Move along now. The Sorting Ceremony's about to start."

All the ghosts faded away, and we all directed our attention to Professor McGonagall, "Now, form a line," she gestures, "and follow me."

I walked in front of Hermione. My curiosity urging me to be the first in line to see everything.

We were all quiet as we were led out of the chamber, back into the vast hall, and to two large double doors. The doors opened to the Great Hall.

It was splendid. There were four long rows of tables that held the members of each House, indicated by the banners above them which kept the House Crest. The tables were decorated with golden plates and goblets. The chandeliers held what had to be thousands of candles, which just floated in the air. At the end of the great hall, was a stage that held another table for the teachers and staff to sit at. I smiled when I saw Dumbledore.

Professor McGonagall led all of us up the walkway between the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor tables and behind the faculty table. Hundreds of people were staring at us, waiting to see who would join their House. I noticed a few ghosts hidden among the crowd of people. Their misty white, making them pop out.

I looked up at the ceiling to see a beautiful pitch black sky glittered with stars. The sky appeared to be moving like calming waves crashing on itself. I almost believed that the room did not have a roof until Hermione whispered to Harry and me, "It's bewitched to look like the sky outside. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History."

I looked up the brilliant sight one last time, not being able to believe that magic could do something so astonishing.

Professor McGonagall silently placed a four-legged stool in front of the first years. After that, she placed a pointed hat on top of the stool. The hat was patched and frayed and extremely dirty. I honestly did not want to place it on my head.

I was intrigued by the purpose of the hat but before I could make any assumptions I heard, a ripping noise. To my amusement, the hat had twitched before making a mouth at the brim; the hat began to sing:

"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty, 

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black, 

Your top hats sleek and tall,


For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat 

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head 

The Sorting Hat can't see,


So try me on, and I will tell you 

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor, 

Where dwell the brave at heart, 

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff, 

Where they are just and loyal, 

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true 

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,


If you have a ready mind,


Where those of wit and learning, 

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin,


You'll make your real friends,


Those cunning folk use any means


To achieve their ends.
So put me on! 

Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands (though I have none) 

For I'm a Thinking Cap!"

The whole hall burst into applause as the hat finished its song. I clapped as well. That hat can sing! It bowed to each of the four tables and then became quite still again.

"So we've just got to try on the hat!" Ron whispered to Harry and me. "I'll kill Fred, he was going on about wrestling a troll."

I laughed at the foolish twin's prank.

Professor McGonagall stepped forward, again, now holding a long roll of parchment. "When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted."

"Abbott, Hannah!" A blushing girl with cute blonde pigtails stumbled out of line, put on the hat, which fell right down over her eyes. It took a few seconds before the hate declared, "HUFFLEPUFF!"

The Hufflepuff table clapped as Hannah went to sit down with her House, the Fat Friar waving merrily at her.

"Bones, Susan!"

"HUFFLEPUFF!" shouted the hat again, and Susan skipped happily to sit with Hannah.

"Boot, Terry!"

"RAVENCLAW!"

The Ravenclaw table cheered and some stood up to shake hands with Terry as he joined them.

The list went on just like that. Someone would be called up and the hat would take a few seconds to decide or knew right away, and the House cheered and greeted their new member.

"Brocklehurst, Mandy"

"RAVENCLAW"

"Brown, Lavender"

"GRYFFINDOR"

"Bulstrode, Millicent"

"SLYTHERIN"

I looked at the table and noticed many unpleasant faces. One that particularly stood out was the golden-haired boy from the train. He seemed so bright to be at such a dark table. I noticed that he was also looking at me, but once he noticed that I caught him, he sent me an arrogant wink before looking away. I roll my eyes in disgust.

"Finch Fletchley, Justin!"

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

The line began to grow shorter and I began to grow more anxious by the second.

"Finnigan, Seamus,"

"GRYFFINDOR"

"Granger, Hermione!"

Hermione practically sprinted to the stool, like she was worried someone would sit before her.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Ron groaned, at the thought of them being in the same House. I slyly kick him in the shin before anybody sees. Ron curse my name before directing his attention to the next person, Neville.

The hat took a long time to decide with Neville. Finally, it shouted, "GRYFFINDOR," and Neville ran off still wearing the hat, much to its protests. Everyone laughed as he ran back to return it.

Draco swaggered forward pompously when his name was called, and the hat quickly screamed, "SLYTHERIN!"

Others seemed to go by in a blur.

"Moon"

"Nott"

"Parkinson"

"Patil" and "Patil"

"Perks, Sally-Anne"

"Potter, Harry!"

Once Harry was called, everyone began to gossip. It was well known that Harry Potter was famous around wizards. After all, he was just a baby when he made the most feared man in history disappear. I hoped that my name hadn't gained recognition like his, but knew it was inevitable.

Once Harry sat on the chair, the hat began deliberating where to place him. I heard Harry chanting something before the hat declared, "GRYFFINDOR!"

Everyone was cheering, even those who weren't in the House. Once Harry got to the table, they all patted him on the back.

The Weasley twins yelled, "We got Potter! We got Potter!"

"Thomas, Dean," was Gryffindor.

"Turpin, Lisa" was Ravenclaw.

Ron was Gryffindor as expected.

"Miss Ella Colette Ambrosio" 

Naturally, the entire hall burst out in gossip. I wasn't as famous as Harry in the wizarding world but I was still an Ambrosio and the godchild of Dumbledore, which merits a certain amount of popularity. My birthday making the entire situation worse, since I was born at the exact same time that Harry earned his famous scar. Many radicals who believe that Voldemort will return, speculate that I am meant to protect Harry from Voldemort's return, which is ridiculous.

I walked up to the stool and slowly sit down, crossing my ankles. McGonagall places the hat on my head with a warm smile, helping me feel a bit calmer. The worst was over, now all that was left was to see what House was for me.

I patiently waited for something to happen, but nothing did, making me nervous all over again.

A male voice entered my head, "Hmm. Ella Ambrosio. . . 

Very smart, that I know. But not hungry for knowledge. No. But very curious. Ravenclaw would be a good fit, however. 

Yet, you are not competitive, you don't try to be the smartest. Perhaps Hufflepuff would be a good fit for you. Yes, calm, humble, kind, and fair. Hufflepuff would be right for you, but it's opposite Slytherin would also keep you well. 

You have spite that cannot be contained and cunning which is hidden beneath your good heart. Slytherin holds the key to your start, as well as your heart, without a doubt

Alas, Gryffindor, is where your true story lies. I see bravery and courage, beyond those ocean eyes. As well as boldness and nerve. Their loyalty is also true. But that is all up to you..."

The hat has been on my head for a good four minutes now, and people are beginning to whisper, but I still don't know what House I will be placed in. Suddenly he speaks again, "What do you thi—"

I didn't have to think twice, "Gryffindor." 

I had a feeling it was the House where I belonged, looking at all my friends and loved ones, I knew.

The hat howls, "GRYFFINDOR!"

The entire table erupts in cheers as I take off the hat and run over to my friends. 

I laugh hearing the twins teasingly shout, "We got Collie! We got Collie! Gryffindor rules all!"

They immediately run over and pick me up onto their shoulders. I giggle before telling them to put me down, not wanting to upset McGonagall. 

Once I am placed on the floor, Percy Weasley, the prefect, gives me a hug, "Good job, Ella! I am glad you could join us."

Hermione smiled before pointing to a seat she had saved for me. I smile and sit next to her, across from George and Ron.

I could see the High Table properly now. Hagrid, was waving up at me and I laughed waving back, and at the center of the High Table was my godfather Albus Dumbledore. I also saw Professor Snape, who gave me the usual curt nod, the only reason I know him well enough to earn such a high greeting was that he is Dumbledore's bestie.

The last girl is called, and the sorting ceremony ends.

Dumbledore stood up and was beaming at all of us, "Welcome! Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!"

Everyone clapped at my godfather's nonsense while Harry looked quite confused. "Is he — a bit mad?"

"Mad?" said Percy angrily, standing up from his seat, "He's a genius! Best wizard in the world!"

"But he is a bit mad, yes," I answer Harry's question before holding the potatoes towards Harry, "Potatoes, Harry?"

They all began passing the food to each other. I placed some potatoes and vegetables on my plate as well as a peppermint pasty. It was amazing.

Suddenly a ghost hovers in between Harry and Ron, "Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington at your service. Resident ghost of Gryffindor Tower."

"I know who you are!" blurted Ron, "My brothers told me about you. You're Nearly Headless Nick!"

"I would prefer you to call me Sir Nicholas de Mimsy —" the ghost began stiffly, but Seamus Finnigan interrupted.

"Nearly Headless? How can you be nearly headless?" 

Sir Nicholas looked extremely annoyed. The conversation was not going his way.

"Like this," he said irritably. He grabbed his left ear and pulled it to the side. His whole head swung off his neck and fell onto his shoulder as if it was on a hinge. He was not beheaded correctly. My eyes widen in shock.

He placed his head back on his neck before coughing, "So — new Gryffindors! I hope you're going to help us win the House Championship this year? Gryffindors have never gone so long without winning. Slytherins have got the cup six years in a row! The Bloody Baron's becoming almost unbearable — he's the Slytherin ghost."

Harry and I looked over at the Slytherin table and saw a horrible ghost sitting there, with blank staring eyes, a gaunt face, and robes stained with silver blood. He was right next to Draco, who didn't seem happy to be sitting next to him. I shiver, turning to Harry to notice his discomfort as well.

"How did he get covered in blood?" asked Seamus with great interest.

"I've never asked," said Nearly Headless Nick delicately. I nod in agreement, never ask a ghost anything about their death unless they invite you too. That can be very scary if they get testy.

Once everyone had finished eating, all our food disappeared off our plates, leaving them pristine. Then the dessert appeared. I simply grabbed a spoonful of ice-cream, while listening to everyone talk about their families.

"I'm half-and-half," said Seamus. "My dad's a Muggle. Mom didn't tell him she was a witch 'til after they were married. Bit of a nasty shock for him."

We laughed.

"What about you, Neville?" said Ron.

"Well, my gran brought me up, and she's a witch," said Neville, "but the family thought I was all-Muggle for ages. My Great Uncle Algie kept trying to catch me off my guard and force some magic out of me — he pushed me off the end of Blackpool pier once, I nearly drowned — but nothing happened until I was eight. Great Uncle Algie came round for dinner, and he was hanging me out of an upstairs window by the ankles when my Great Auntie Enid offered him a meringue, and he accidentally let go. But I bounced — all the way down the garden and into the road. They were all really pleased, Gran was crying, she was so happy. And you should have seen their faces when I got in here — they thought I might not be magic enough to come, you see. Great Uncle Algie was so pleased he bought me my toad."

I smile at his story, understanding why he was so bothered when he lost his toad. Although I am a bit worried about his life at home, but I knew of Neville's parents. They were one of the many who lost their lives fighting against Voldemort. Dumbledore had mentioned the Longbottoms a few years ago, mentioning how brave they were.

I turn to hear Hermione talking about lessons, "I do hope they start right away, there's so much to learn, I'm particularly interested in Transfiguration, you know, turning something into something else, of course, it's supposed to be very difficult —"

"You'll be starting small, just matches into needles and that sort of thing —," Percy promised her. I knew he was pleased with her effort in learning.

I was too busy listening to what Percy and Hermione were talking about to hear Neville call my name, "I'm sorry, what did you say Neville?"

Neville looks nervous before repeating, "What is your family like?"

I smile at him, "Normal," I laugh nervously, "My mom and I live in California and most of my time is spent on the beach or with my tutors. My mom is a really busy person," I try to explain although they don't seem to believe me. 

Hermione turned to me, noticing we were speaking about my background. I guess I should have expected questions from her once she heard my full name being called, "I can't believe you never told me you were Ella Ambrosio. You are kind of a legend. Is it true what they say about your powers?"

I blush, "Not as big as Harry. I mean, controlling water is an ability all wizards can acquire by their sixth year."


I was suddenly bombarded with questions by the muggle-born wizards and witches who want to know more.

 Thankfully the Weasley's diffused the situation, "Oi! I do believe that Dumbledore is about to make a speech."

I mouth a small, "Thank you." Before looking up at Dumbledore.

"Ahem — just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you. First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well." 

Dumbledore's twinkling eyes flashed in the direction of the Weasley twins. "I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors."

Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their House teams should contact Madam Hooch. And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die an excruciating death."

Harry laughed, not understanding the graveness of the situation. "He's not serious?" he muttered to me.

"Must be," I tell him, Dumbledore seems unnaturally severe about this. To the point where he can't even tell us why.

"And now, before we go to bed, let us sing the school song!" cried Dumbledore in glee.

Dumbledore began to conduct us like we were a professional orchestra, "Everyone pick their favorite tune, and off we go!"

"Hogwarts, Hogwarts, 

Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,

Teach us something please,


Whether we be old and bald


Or young with scabby knees,

Our heads could do with filling

With some interesting stuff,


For now, they're bare and full of air,

Dead flies and bits of fluff,


So teach us things worth knowing,

Bring back what we've forgotten,


Just do your best, we'll do the rest,

And learn until our brains all rot."

Everybody finished the song at different times. Until the only ones left singing were the Weasley twins who made the song a prolonged funeral march. Dumbledore conducted their last few lines with his wand, and when they had finished, he was one of those who clapped loudest.

"Ah, music," he said, wiping his eyes. "A magic beyond all we do here! And now, bedtime. Off you trot!"

And with that, the ceremony was over and everyone began making their way to their corridors.

The first years had to follow Percy through the crowd. I made sure to stay near him, which wasn't hard since Hermione was talking a whole in poor Percival's ear. 

We all walked up the marble staircase, which seemed harder than it should because of the food in our stomach's, making us feel heavy with exhaustion. I was too tired to even try to pay attention to all the secret doors we were walking through or the moving tapestries that let us into new hallways.

I let out a yawn, before accidentally bumping into Hermione, "Sorry."

Hermione shakes her head before pointing to a pair of floating sticks in the air.

"Peeves," Percy whispered to the first years, ignoring the sticks being thrown at him. "A poltergeist."He raised his voice, "Peeves — show yourself."

A loud, rude sound, like the air being let out of a balloon, answered.

"Do you want me to go to the Bloody Baron?" Percy threatened.

That seemed to scare him because suddenly there was a pop, and a little man with wicked, dark eyes and a wide mouth appeared, floating cross-legged in the air, clutching the walking more sticks.

"Oooooooh!" he said, with an evil cackle. "Ickle Firsties! What fun!"

He swooped suddenly at us and we all ducked his attack.

"Go away, Peeves or the Baron'll hear about this, I mean it!" snapped Percy.

Peeves stuck out his tongue and vanished, dropping the walking sticks on a snoring Neville's head. He jumped awake confused as to why his head was hurting.

"You want to watch out for Peeves," Percy advised as we continued walking, "The Bloody Baron's the only one who can control him, he won't even listen to us prefects. Here we are."

I roll my eyes at Percy's bragging about Prefects and mock him behind his back. 

Ron and Harry laugh with me before we all continue up the stairs. We stop in front of a portrait of an obese woman in a pink silk dress.

"Password?" she said."Caput Draconis," whispered Percy, and the portrait swung forward to reveal a round hole in the wall. We all went inside. Harry helped me up since I was too short to get in by myself.

Once we exited the hole, we found ourselves in the Gryffindor common room, a cozy, round room full of squashy armchairs. It contained swarthy curtains hung around the window seats, overlooking the Hogwarts grounds and a mini library full of books.

Percy directed the girls through one door to their dormitory. 

Hermione and I both rush in with the other girls eager to get a good bed. 

The girl's tower consisted of six four-posters hung with deep red, velvet curtains. Their trunks had already been brought up and placed on the beds. I smiled once I saw that my bed was next to Hermione's and we both shared a window, overlooking the lake. We were all too tired to talk and silently pulled on our pajamas and fell into bed. The last thing I remember is a fluffy Bluebelle jumping on my bed and laying down on my pillow.